Whitmer says Trump and Rogers cultivating hidden xenophobia in Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated on Sunday that Republican figures are attempting to cultivate hidden xenophobia in the state ahead of the midterm elections. The governor made the remarks in response to a question from MS NOW anchor Peter Alexander regarding the rhetoric used against Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed by Republican candidate Mike Rogers and President Donald Trump.

Alexander opened his show "State of Play" on Monday by discussing the national attention focused on the Michigan Senate race. He noted that the campaign has prompted rally appearances by former President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump. During the interview, Alexander asked Whitmer if she worried about hidden xenophobia in Michigan that Trump and Rogers were trying to exploit. Whitmer replied that she believed Rogers and Trump hoped such sentiment existed and were actively trying to cultivate it.

The interview also addressed the specific language used by Trump to attack El-Sayed. When asked if she considered the rhetoric dangerous, Whitmer agreed that it was. She argued, however, that the more significant issue was the Republican focus on topics other than the cost of living. Whitmer attributed the rise in living costs to decisions made by the current administration. She stated that most Americans likely cannot say they are better off now than they were two years ago.

The White House responded to the governor's comments through Assistant Press Secretary Olivia Wales. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Wales said that President Trump is calling out radical extremists who stoke division, defraud communities, and perpetuate violence. Wales added that the President will continue to fight for American greatness and call out those who seek to divide and destroy.

The political attacks have centered on allegations regarding El-Sayed's family ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Both Trump and Rogers have heavily criticized El-Sayed over these claims. Fox News Digital reached out to Whitmer's office, as well as the campaigns for El-Sayed and Rogers, for comment but did not immediately receive responses.